Auction and raffle will help Willow Foundation in memory of Antony Regis

A mum-of-three is organising a charity event featuring a big auction and raffle in memory of the father of her children who sadly died last year.

Antony Regis, who worked at Ketton Cement, was just 36 when he died of a heart attack in June 2015.

Kerry Regis, 33, who was separated from Antony but still a close friend, decided to organise a fundraising event for charity when planning a joint birthday party for two of her three daughters.

Back in 2004, when Antony was suffering from testicular cancer, the Willow Foundation paid for the family to have a trip to Center Parcs, and Kerry never forgot that generosity.

She said: “My daughters Courtney and Sophie turned 16 and 13 this year and when planning a party I wanted Antony to be involved somehow.

“I decided to organise a raffle to raise money for the Willow Foundation so other families going through similar experiences to ours could get help when they need it. The raffle was going to be part of the party, but as word spread it totally took off and became bigger and bigger as more and more local people and companies donated prizes.

“As a result, we decided to make it a separate event, open to the public, with the aim of raising lots of money for the Willow Foundation.”

The event will take place on Saturday, at 7.30pm, at the Danish Invader bar and restaurant in Empingham Road, Stamford, and will feature a hog roast and disco, alongside the raffle draw and auction.

Big prizes up for grabs include two Apple MacBook Pro laptop computers, an iPad, a meal at The George, a football shirt signed by the Peterborough United squad and more.

Kerry has already raised about £1,200 by selling raffle tickets and she hopes to add to that total on the night. She and partner Nick Howard are grateful for the support already shown by local people.

Kerry added: “It is thanks to the generosity of so many local businesses that I have been able to make this event such a hit. Friends and family have all been asking around for donations and telling everyone all about. It’s been amazing.

“Antony and I had been separated for about six years and although we weren’t together when he died we were still best friends and he was a great dad. He’s missed by all his family and friends and it’s great that we can help the Willow Foundation in his name.”

The event on Saturday is open to all and Kerry is hoping for a big turnout.